The Hon. H. Charles “Max” Fernandez, Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment, led a delegation to the fourteenth annual Antigua & Barbuda Hamptons Challenge Regatta in Sag Harbor, New York.
The delegation included Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority’s (ABTA) CEO, Colin C. James, and ABTA Board Deputy Chairman, Alan Hosam. This event promotes the beautiful twin-island’s rich sailing tradition to the Hamptons’ sailing community, a collection of affluent enclaves on Long Island’s South Fork.
In the lead-up to the Regatta, the ABTA hosted a media reception at Baron’s Cove, attended by prominent figures from the Hamptons community. Interviews were conducted with radio station WLNG 92.1 FM and several local newspapers.
Perfect weather welcomed the crews that competed in the Regatta staged on Saturday, August 11. The event connects Antigua’s English Harbour to the Hamptons’ Sag Harbor. Also, it supports the local charity i-TRI, a community-based non-profit founded by Theresa Roden that empowers young women through the sport of triathlon.
Twenty-two fully crewed yachts competed in a handicapped race around Noyack Bay, organized by the Peconic Bay Sailing Association. John Pearson was the regatta’s overall winner and received the Northeast’s most prestigious sailing prize—an all-expenses-paid trip to Antigua to race in the spectacular 2025 Antigua Sailing Week (April 27th—May 3rd, www.sailingweek.com). A notable highlight of the regatta was the presence of young Antiguan sailor Tyrique Adams, who came to Sag Harbor to compete in the race.
Commenting on the event, after a successful day out on the water, Minister Fernandez said:
“We are thrilled to continue raising awareness of Antigua and Barbuda as the Caribbean’s sailing capital.”
“Tyrique’s presence as a participating sailor was truly spectacular to watch, as he showcased the sailing prowess and skill emerging from our twin-island destination during the race. We look forward to having this year’s Antigua and Barbuda Hampton Challenge winning crew in Sag Harbor, join us in English Harbour for what is anticipated to be a riveting Antigua Sailing Week 2025”.
Other Antigua and Barbuda delegation members attending the regatta included Dean Fenton, Director of Tourism, USA, Marilyn Pires, ABTA USA and Devin Joseph, Yachting Business Development Manager. The regatta was sponsored by English Harbour Rum.
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Following the regatta, the Taste of The Caribbean Awards Party was held at Bell & Anchor, a renowned restaurant in Sag Harbor. Former Sag Harbor Mayor James Larocca and current Mayor Tom Gardella, sailing enthusiasts, spectators, community members, and supporters joined the lively celebration.
For more information on Antigua Sail Week and Barbuda, visit here.
ABOUT THE ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA TOURISM AUTHORITY
The Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority is a statutory body dedicated to realizing the twin island state’s tourism potential by promoting it as a unique, quality tourist destination. The overall objective is to increase visitor arrivals, thereby providing sustainable economic growth. The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority is headquartered in St. John’s Antigua, where regional marketing is directed. The Authority has three offices overseas in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada.
ABOUT ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA
Antigua (pronounced An-tee’ga) and Barbuda (Bar-byew’da) is located in the heart of the Caribbean Sea. The twin-island paradise offers visitors two uniquely distinct experiences, ideal temperatures year-round, a rich history, vibrant culture, exhilarating excursions, award-winning resorts, mouth-watering cuisine and 365 stunning pink and white-sand beaches – one for every day of the year. The largest of the English-speaking Leeward Islands, Antigua comprises 108-square miles with rich history and spectacular topography that provides a variety of popular sightseeing opportunities. Nelson’s Dockyard, the only remaining example of a Georgian fort a listed UNESCO World Heritage site, is perhaps the most renowned landmark. Antigua’s tourism events calendar includes the prestigious Antigua Sailing Week, Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta, and the annual Antigua Carnival; known as the Caribbean’s Greatest Summer Festival. Barbuda, Antigua’s smaller sister island, is the ultimate celebrity hideaway. The island lies 27 miles north-east of Antigua and is just a 15-minute plane ride away. Barbuda is known for its untouched 11-mile stretch of pink sand beach and as the home of the largest Frigate Bird Sanctuary in the Western Hemisphere. Find information on Antigua & Barbuda at: www.visitantiguabarbuda.com or follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/antiguabarbuda Facebook: www.facebook.com/antiguabarbuda; Instagram: www.instagram.com/AntiguaandBarbuda
SEEN IN MAIN IMAGE: L-R – John Pearson, Winner of Antigua and Barbuda Hamptons Challenge Regatta with Tourism Minister Hon. H. Charles Max Fernandez – image courtesy of Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority
